Jul
16
Don’t Put That Wedding Dress in Storage!
Now that the wedding is over, all of the thank-you cards have been sent and your special day is a beautiful memory, what are you going to do with that dress? Traditionally, brides seal it up and store it away for future generations.
The more socially conscious may chose to donate it to another bride, a charity or community group/school to be used as costume in a play. The more practical minded may opt to sell it on eBay or Craig’s List for some much needed newlywed cash.
Consider, however, the current trend in “refashioning” - the art of taking some article of old or used clothing and making it into something new. Wedding gowns can be refashioned into christening gowns, baby blankets and many other treasured sentimental items, creating instant heirlooms that can be handed down through generations. Here are some ideas:
Christening gowns - A christening gown is an infant’s dress which is especially made and worn for the baptism ceremony. These gowns are usually white in color and are very long. They are made of either linen, silk or cotton and have lace trimmings, embroidery and tucks. They also have matching bonnets, bibs and booties. Here are some beautiful examples from Jennifer Taylor Designs. A “wedding gown to christening gown” conversion can vary greatly in cost, usually $200-300 and up. The unused portion of the dress will typically be returned to you and there is often sufficient fabric for several babies or children’s gowns. Similarly, a First communion dress would be especially beautiful if made from a wedding gown.
Baby blankets or quilts - The large volume of fabric required by a wedding gown makes it suitable for refashioning into a quilt, either for a baby (even several babies) or the newlywed couple. Some photos of the process involved can be seen here on the website for Quilts by Cindy.
Ring bearer’s pillow or lace handkerchiefs - Next generation brides can have “something old” incorporated into their wedding ceremonies by refashioning a mother or grandmother’s dress. There would be enough fabric to make a ring bearer’s pillow or lace handkerchief for every new bride in the family.
Christmas tree skirt and ornaments - The lace, beading and silken fabrics used in most wedding gowns would make a beautiful Victorian-style Christmas tree skirt which could be “worn” every year. You could even make coordinating ornaments for yourself and matching ornaments for other cherished family members. Wedding dress fabric and trims would be especially precious for “Baby’s First Christmas” ornaments.
Photo album or scrapbook cover - Scrap booking is enormously popular these days. This, coupled with the ease of digital photography, has made keepsake albums more popular than ever. A special cover for such a treasury could be refashioned from a wedding gown as a wedding or a baby keepsake.
The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and creativity. Instead of letting that very expensive gown get yellow in the attic, keep the memory of your special day alive by refashioning your gown into something unique to be passed on to future generations.
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